Authors: Gale NS, Bolton CE, Duckers JM, Enright S, Cockcroft JR, Shale DJ Abstract Bronchiectasis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease, which has similarities to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Comorbidities of COPD include increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease, loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, all linked to systemic inflammation. The potential for such comorbidities has not been explored in bronchiectasis. We hypothesised that patients with bronchiectasis would have similar increased comorbidities. A total of 20 patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis were compared to 20 controls similar in age, gender and smoking exposure. Assessments included aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV; (a measure of arterial ...

Conclusions ATI admission rates have increased substantially in the past decade, but the majority of children are discharged after a short stay. PTA admission rates have remained stable. This suggests the severity of throat infection has not increased. Tonsillectomy rates in England have been declining overall but do not appear to be associated with this increasing trend in ATI admissions. The increase most likely reflects changes in primary care and hospital service provision. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Acute respiratory failure is a dreaded and life-threatening event corresponding to the first reason leading to intensive care unit admission. Respiratory events occur in up to 50% of hematology patients, including half of them who are admitted to the intensive care unit. Mortality of acute respiratory failure in hematology patients depends on patient's general status, acute respiratory failure etiology, need for mechanical ventilation and associated organ dysfunction. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is clearly beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Its benefits rely mostly on the avoidance of the complications of invasive mechanical ventilation. It has also been recommended in hematology patients with acute respiratory failure...

Research by the University of Warwick indicates that vaccinating families could protect young babies against a common winter virus which can be fatal for infants under six months. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older children but can be more serious and even fatal in infants under the age of six months as it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The virus is commonly found all over the world... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)